GOVERNOR GREEN APPOINTS SUCCESSOR TO SERVE HOUSE DISTRICT 18

News Release from Office of the Governor, May 28, 2025

HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced the appointment of Joe Gedeon to succeed the late Rep. Gene Ward to serve House District 18 (Portlock, Hawai‘i Kai, Kalama Valley).

Gedeon was among three nominees sent to the Governor by the Hawai‘i Republican Party. He is the co-founder of marketing and advertising companies JPG Hawaii and JPG Media and has a history of volunteer public service, including as the youngest president of the Waikīkī Rotary Club from 2016 to 2017 and currently on the board of directors of the American Advertising Federation of Hawaiʻi and the Central YMCA.

Graduated from Henry J. Kaiser High School, Kapiʻolani Community College and ITT Technical Institute in San Diego, Gedeon earned the rank of Eagle Scout in his youth. He was born and raised in Hawaiʻi Kai, where his family has lived for some 45 years.

“I appreciate the willingness of Joe Gedeon and the other nominees to step up and work hard to fill the huge void left by such a lifelong and passionate public servant as Gene Ward,” said Governor Green. “We believe one human being cannot truly replace another, but we hope as Gene’s successor, Joe will bring the same caring dedication that made his predecessor so valuable to his community.”

Gedeon says he carries a deep and personal connection to this district through late Rep. Ward. “Gene was a family friend, a mentor and a lifelong example of integrity and public service. His legacy in Hawaiʻi Kai is profound and I hope to carry forward the values he championed: community, accountability and unwavering commitment to the people he served.”

The seat was vacated by Ward’s retirement, announced March 21, after more than three decades of public service. His retirement was effective March 31 and he sadly lost his battle with health issues on April 4, 2025.

The appointee will serve in the House District 18 seat until the term of the late Rep. Ward expires on November 3, 2026 (General Election Day).

A photo of new House Representative Joe Gedeon can be found here.

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JOE GEDEON APPOINTED TO HOUSE DISTRICT 18 SEAT IN THE HAWAI’I HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BY GOVERNOR JOSH GREEN.

News Release from Joe Gedeon May 28, 2025

I am humbled, and pleased to announce that I received a telephone call this morning from State of Hawaii Governor Josh Green.  The Governor advised that he has appointed me to serve the balance of Representative Gene Ward’s term in office.  Gene has left meaningful footprints throughout our District and State, and I look forward to carrying on his years of dedication and service to the people of Hawai’i Kai, Kalama Valley, and Portlock.

It’s not often that we receive a call as the Governor made to me today.  I want to first thank the Governor for providing this remarkable opportunity for me to serve the State.  It’s an exciting time for the entire Gedeon Ohana and I am forever grateful for the support of my family as I begin this new level of service.  To those that brought my name forward to seek the appointment I am moved by your confidence in me.  To those that aided me in preparing for today I am most thankful.  And last, and most importantly to the residents of the best House District in the entire State of Hawai’i I look forward to meeting more of you and learning about what makes Hawaii Kai so special to you.

I have been asked if I plan on running for the House District 18 seat in November of 2026.  I can advise you today that I have filed with Campaign Spending Commission as the initial step in that process.  My Campaign will keep you advised as milestones are reached that will enable me to make a formal announcement.

Joe Gedeon, May 28, 2025

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Hawaii Republican Party Congratulates Joe Gedeon on Appointment to State House District 18

News Release from Hawaii Republican Party

HONOLULU, HI – May 28, 2025 – The Hawaii Republican Party proudly congratulates Michel “Joe” Gedeon on his appointment as the new State Representative for House District 18, which includes Hawaii Kai, Portlock, and Kalama Valley.

A longtime community advocate and successful entrepreneur, Joe Gedeon brings a deep understanding of local issues and a proven record of service. Raised in Hawaii Kai and a graduate of Kaiser High School, Joe has worked tirelessly to uplift conservative voices and support over 80 political campaigns across the islands through his media and consulting work.

Joe’s appointment continues the legacy of the late Representative Gene Ward, a respected leader and pillar of Republican values in Hawaii. Joe shares that same commitment to principled leadership, community connection, and public service.

“We are confident Joe will bring energy, integrity, and innovative thinking to the State Legislature,” said the newly elected Hawaii Republican Party State Chair Art Hannemann. “He represents a new generation of Republican leadership—grounded in local values, equipped with real-world experience, and ready to fight for Hawaii’s future.”

The Hawaii Republican Party thanks Governor Josh Green for honoring the party’s nominating process and ensuring the people of District 18 have continued representation.

We look forward to working with Representative Gedeon as he takes this next step in serving the people of Hawaii.

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CB: Republican Named To Represent East Oʻahu After Rep. Gene Ward's Death - Honolulu Civil Beat

KHON: Gov. Green announces late Rep. Ward's successor

KITV: Joseph Gedeon appointed as Gene Ward’s successor for East Oahu House seat | News | kitv.com

HNN: Governor appoints successor to House seat vacated by late lawmaker

SA: Joe Gedeon to replace Republican Gene Ward in Hawaii House | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

ASD: Green names successor to Gene Ward